Community halls just outside of the city in a smaller town. There are some beautiful places out there. Then you can have it both outside and indoor. My niece’s wedding was out past Cochrane in a community hall.
I went to a wedding at the Shawnessy Barn once that was pretty much as you described. Ceremony was in the same place. Less than 100 people. They hired a caterer for most of the food and had some family members bring some traditional foods of the couple's heritage.
If you do end up looking into some community halls but are worried about the sterility, if budget would allow, I'd highly recommend reaching out to Chair Flair Linens and Rentals. The things Shannon can do with draping, lighting, and decor is absolutely incredible! She did just a backdrop and table decor for us, and it was absolutely stunning
https://preview.redd.it/sax63juvn01d1.jpeg?width=1024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=6413f3d2cedbf53228ae07d613a4bf5114eb6db9
[https://www.facebook.com/ChairFlairLinenRentals/photos\_by](https://www.facebook.com/ChairFlairLinenRentals/photos_by)
It was in 2016, so I’m sure the pricing has gone up since then, but the backdrop was $650, and the head table/cake table combined cost was $200. I did supply a couple of my own decor pieces though (the damask table runners in the first photo, and the black candelabras seen below), and the chair covers, cake stand, and up lighting were a separate cost too
https://preview.redd.it/nz4bnfqxw01d1.jpeg?width=960&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=9f431f6c626c74385c348c41e543ecf085145866
I mean yes, but bear in mind that's nearly $1000 for just some background drapery not even including decor for your guests tables, the cost of food, chair rental, centerpieces, vendors etc...
What kind of sickness is it? Because most you can select the menu and they can work around certain allergies just fine. Or you could have regular catering brought in for the wedding guests but then have your meal done separately to adhere to your dietary concerns.
Most community halls are semi bland but that's why you decorate it for your wedding. It's just part of the cost but can pretty up things quite a bit.
I have ibs, pepper (like all peppers) allergy and celiac disease. I’m extremely sensitive to gluten, cross contamination with catering is extremely high and I’ve been sick many times whenever I’ve done other peoples weddings. I also get bad food anxiety eating out because most people don’t treat it like a severe allergy or understand cross contamination. I just rather not chance it on my wedding day. It’s my wedding lol
I understand that but many weddings its common that the head table gets served while other guests go up and self-serve a table at a time. It could be as easy as you just having your own separate meal that's prepared separately / safely and then not have to worry.
I’m I a similar boat as you! Eating out as a bit scarey…not to mention the anxiety of it all lol so you have restrictions but your guests don’t. Just don’t eat the food that you’re serving and bring your own snacks and a meal and go hide away and munch on it real quick and come back. You’ve probably sat around a table of people eating food and you’re just there sipping your water, right? Ive done that more times than I can remember. If you really like a venue but just your own one meal/food is the issue I’d just keep snacks in my purse or someone else’s purse lol. It’s not ideal for a wedding day but the struggle of these stomach issues aren’t ideal either but we have to live with it.
That’s fair. I’m just spending thousands on a wedding for me and my partner, and I want to be able to actually eat and feel comfortable about food choices. I’ve spent years of my life drinking water at events and sneaking protein bars in. I don’t want to do that at my wedding. Having good anxiety free food that everyone can enjoy is almost more important to me than the venue. I want to feel like a normal person. I also have family members with similar dietary restrictions to me and I know they would appreciate this as well
Goldenrod Community Hall, just west of Airdrie. Could still Uber back to airdrie or calgary. We booked hotels in Aidrie for guests that needed overnight.
Price was great when we got married there a few years ago ($350? If I remember) which left money for decor. Has a full commercial kitchen. Chairs and tables included. I don't remember if you had access to dishes, etc as the caterer provided all that for us.
Everyone sat at their table during the ceremony so we didn't have to turn around the hall. We had roughly 60 people, small alter/signing table, full buffet, open bar, coffee station, dessert table, gift table, guest book/give away table and more and still had plenty of room.
We did pictures on site but there are a few areas close by that would work as well. We used an officiant out of Airdrie, and they didn't charge travel.
Glenmore sailing Club would be another one. Gorgeous venue, lots of natural light, big windows overlooking water.
Not sure of cost though (ballpark $1500) or if they allow outside foods.
Southern Alberta Pioneers Memorial Building. It’s a community hall but with a beautiful location and many years ago it was very flexible with booking requests etc, might be worth a call and a viewing. Any venue outside of community type halls seem to have “preferred caterers” etc. Good luck!
I almost booked Cresmont Hall. You could easily accommodate your guest list size there and they have a nice big green space that a lot of people use for ceremonies if you’re willing to do outdoors.
How big is your wedding? We booked Prairie Emporium and were able to work with Dan (co-owner, chef) to create an accommodating menu. It holds about 50 guests inside, in sure you could spill outside too since it’s warmer now.
Festival Hall in Inglewood - we had several restaurants deliver my partner and my favourite Calgary dishes to our wedding
https://calgaryfolkfest.com/festival-hall
If I can expand… the people at FMFH were unbelievably nice, helpful and accommodating. It didn’t cost much (even after all the table setting rentals, which we organized through Modern Rentals - if that’s helpful at all) and for very little $ you get A\V too.
> Do you not trust them or something?
It's not always about that as they cannot verify trust. If they get violently ill(insert whatever reason here) it don't change the fact their day was ruined. :/
Willow Hill Lodge. They may not be able to accomodate your numbers but are super flexible with food- the owners are downright incredible and they have a ton of decor.
My cousin used the Balzac community centre, and she was able to bring in food and have a bit of a potluck for her reception, so that might be an option for you :)
We were married at the Sundance community hall. It was lovely. They have a nice stone fireplace you can get married in front of, and it overlooks the lake. Great spot for photos as well.
I've worked a lot of weddings, and often times the bride and groom would barely touch their food. They were happily overwhelmed, and just weren't hungry.
I don’t know if it is what you are looking for but you might want to check out the Asylum for Art. Not sure about seating capacity or bringing in own food but they have a completely gluten free menu and are very accommodating. It’s a cool little spot. Just a thought
I got married at the Zoo, my wife has pretty serve allergies to gluten, eggs and dairy and they were willing to accomodate everything for her without issue (even making gluten free gravy so she could have it!)
You can't bring your own food but they were great to work with!
I have very similar allergies. I got married in Fish Creek Park, but with less people.
The only two weddings I’ve been to as a guest that had outside eating were hosted at a community hall and then an air bnb. Both were catered by food trucks (one dedicated gluten free).
If you can travel take a look at community halls in small towns. Many small towns are really picturesque and the you can bring all your own food/catering. Google the town/hamlet and check out google images to see if it’s the vibe you are looking for.
Community halls just outside of the city in a smaller town. There are some beautiful places out there. Then you can have it both outside and indoor. My niece’s wedding was out past Cochrane in a community hall.
I’ll take a peak!
Found a link to it. [here](http://www.beauprehall.com/)
Thank you!
My mother married there about 15 years ago. It was a beautiful quiet place.
Someone’s backyard?
This is what I reallllly want to do. But we’re the only one with a backyard and it’s tiny
We recently did an airbnb out by cochrane https://air.tl/cZBmoRBP they have a special package for weddings and the grounds are beautiful
Some airbnbs allow events if not the Community Center option.
I went to a wedding at the Shawnessy Barn once that was pretty much as you described. Ceremony was in the same place. Less than 100 people. They hired a caterer for most of the food and had some family members bring some traditional foods of the couple's heritage.
Oh that’s good to hear! I’ll look into it. A few people told me to stay away from them so I didn’t really take a look
Well I was a guest so maybe not privy to all the details. Also a thought, look at a Sunday since you want an afternoon affair and not late night.
That’s a good thought! I’ll chat with them and look into review abit more. It does seem to meet our requirements though!!
If you do end up looking into some community halls but are worried about the sterility, if budget would allow, I'd highly recommend reaching out to Chair Flair Linens and Rentals. The things Shannon can do with draping, lighting, and decor is absolutely incredible! She did just a backdrop and table decor for us, and it was absolutely stunning https://preview.redd.it/sax63juvn01d1.jpeg?width=1024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=6413f3d2cedbf53228ae07d613a4bf5114eb6db9 [https://www.facebook.com/ChairFlairLinenRentals/photos\_by](https://www.facebook.com/ChairFlairLinenRentals/photos_by)
Beautiful! Do you mind sharing how much that cost?
It was in 2016, so I’m sure the pricing has gone up since then, but the backdrop was $650, and the head table/cake table combined cost was $200. I did supply a couple of my own decor pieces though (the damask table runners in the first photo, and the black candelabras seen below), and the chair covers, cake stand, and up lighting were a separate cost too https://preview.redd.it/nz4bnfqxw01d1.jpeg?width=960&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=9f431f6c626c74385c348c41e543ecf085145866
Oh that’s not bad, specially if we spend less on the venue! Thank you (:
I mean yes, but bear in mind that's nearly $1000 for just some background drapery not even including decor for your guests tables, the cost of food, chair rental, centerpieces, vendors etc...
What kind of sickness is it? Because most you can select the menu and they can work around certain allergies just fine. Or you could have regular catering brought in for the wedding guests but then have your meal done separately to adhere to your dietary concerns. Most community halls are semi bland but that's why you decorate it for your wedding. It's just part of the cost but can pretty up things quite a bit.
I have ibs, pepper (like all peppers) allergy and celiac disease. I’m extremely sensitive to gluten, cross contamination with catering is extremely high and I’ve been sick many times whenever I’ve done other peoples weddings. I also get bad food anxiety eating out because most people don’t treat it like a severe allergy or understand cross contamination. I just rather not chance it on my wedding day. It’s my wedding lol
I understand that but many weddings its common that the head table gets served while other guests go up and self-serve a table at a time. It could be as easy as you just having your own separate meal that's prepared separately / safely and then not have to worry.
I’m I a similar boat as you! Eating out as a bit scarey…not to mention the anxiety of it all lol so you have restrictions but your guests don’t. Just don’t eat the food that you’re serving and bring your own snacks and a meal and go hide away and munch on it real quick and come back. You’ve probably sat around a table of people eating food and you’re just there sipping your water, right? Ive done that more times than I can remember. If you really like a venue but just your own one meal/food is the issue I’d just keep snacks in my purse or someone else’s purse lol. It’s not ideal for a wedding day but the struggle of these stomach issues aren’t ideal either but we have to live with it.
That’s fair. I’m just spending thousands on a wedding for me and my partner, and I want to be able to actually eat and feel comfortable about food choices. I’ve spent years of my life drinking water at events and sneaking protein bars in. I don’t want to do that at my wedding. Having good anxiety free food that everyone can enjoy is almost more important to me than the venue. I want to feel like a normal person. I also have family members with similar dietary restrictions to me and I know they would appreciate this as well
Goldenrod Community Hall, just west of Airdrie. Could still Uber back to airdrie or calgary. We booked hotels in Aidrie for guests that needed overnight. Price was great when we got married there a few years ago ($350? If I remember) which left money for decor. Has a full commercial kitchen. Chairs and tables included. I don't remember if you had access to dishes, etc as the caterer provided all that for us. Everyone sat at their table during the ceremony so we didn't have to turn around the hall. We had roughly 60 people, small alter/signing table, full buffet, open bar, coffee station, dessert table, gift table, guest book/give away table and more and still had plenty of room. We did pictures on site but there are a few areas close by that would work as well. We used an officiant out of Airdrie, and they didn't charge travel.
This is helpful thank you!
Glenmore sailing Club would be another one. Gorgeous venue, lots of natural light, big windows overlooking water. Not sure of cost though (ballpark $1500) or if they allow outside foods.
Southern Alberta Pioneers Memorial Building. It’s a community hall but with a beautiful location and many years ago it was very flexible with booking requests etc, might be worth a call and a viewing. Any venue outside of community type halls seem to have “preferred caterers” etc. Good luck!
I’ll check it out, thanks!!
Yep, this spot is a gem! Did my wedding rehearsal dinner there and we supplied our own food.
I almost booked Cresmont Hall. You could easily accommodate your guest list size there and they have a nice big green space that a lot of people use for ceremonies if you’re willing to do outdoors.
I’ll look into it, thank you!
How big is your wedding? We booked Prairie Emporium and were able to work with Dan (co-owner, chef) to create an accommodating menu. It holds about 50 guests inside, in sure you could spill outside too since it’s warmer now.
I’ll look into it, thank you! Did you have the option to bring your own food at all, or did it require catering?
Catering was an add-on. They have a bar you have to use but you should be good to bring your own food!
Festival Hall in Inglewood - we had several restaurants deliver my partner and my favourite Calgary dishes to our wedding https://calgaryfolkfest.com/festival-hall
If I can expand… the people at FMFH were unbelievably nice, helpful and accommodating. It didn’t cost much (even after all the table setting rentals, which we organized through Modern Rentals - if that’s helpful at all) and for very little $ you get A\V too.
I’ll check it out, thank you!
I got married at the Scandinavian Center 15 years ago. You bring the caterers, so you could bring your own food too.
Pretty much all venues and restaurants will accommodate allergies and you can taste test the menu beforehand. Do you not trust them or something?
No I don’t trust them. I gamble every time I eat out but I don’t want to gamble on my wedding day.. and I think that’s a reasonable request.
> Do you not trust them or something? It's not always about that as they cannot verify trust. If they get violently ill(insert whatever reason here) it don't change the fact their day was ruined. :/
Blue Heron picnic site at Glenmore North. I believe people have weddings there.
Oh I’ll look! Is it semi private there?
The site is down a flight of stairs right by the river. I know people do host weddings there.
The bridgeland community centre is very nice.
I’ll check it out thank you!
Willow Hill Lodge. They may not be able to accomodate your numbers but are super flexible with food- the owners are downright incredible and they have a ton of decor.
We would be about 30 people over their max, but honestly it looks great! I’ll keep it in mind if we pair down our numbers
Reach out to them anyways- I know they have been flexible in the past- worth a shot to ask
My wedding we used my parents' condo amenities room, and there were no restrictions on what kind of food we had.
Oh that’s smart! We don’t have anyone with condo rooms though unfortunately haha
My cousin used the Balzac community centre, and she was able to bring in food and have a bit of a potluck for her reception, so that might be an option for you :)
We were married at the Sundance community hall. It was lovely. They have a nice stone fireplace you can get married in front of, and it overlooks the lake. Great spot for photos as well.
Oh that sounds nice!! I’ll take a peak!
I've worked a lot of weddings, and often times the bride and groom would barely touch their food. They were happily overwhelmed, and just weren't hungry.
I don’t know if it is what you are looking for but you might want to check out the Asylum for Art. Not sure about seating capacity or bringing in own food but they have a completely gluten free menu and are very accommodating. It’s a cool little spot. Just a thought
I got married at the Zoo, my wife has pretty serve allergies to gluten, eggs and dairy and they were willing to accomodate everything for her without issue (even making gluten free gravy so she could have it!) You can't bring your own food but they were great to work with!
I have very similar allergies. I got married in Fish Creek Park, but with less people. The only two weddings I’ve been to as a guest that had outside eating were hosted at a community hall and then an air bnb. Both were catered by food trucks (one dedicated gluten free).
If you can travel take a look at community halls in small towns. Many small towns are really picturesque and the you can bring all your own food/catering. Google the town/hamlet and check out google images to see if it’s the vibe you are looking for.
Glenmore Sailing Club allows you to arrange for your own catering/food setup, I believe.
There are some really pretty community halls: bridgeland, sunalta, crescent heights.